Jenna jerked in his arms. Mac didn’t let her go as he glanced toward the doorway where Jenna’s mother and sister stood. They were clearly embarrassed, seeing as how neither of them were making eye contact. Mac didn’t care that they were seen during a very private moment, he actually found it rather amusing.
Besides, getting caught in the act was something he’d grown used to over the years, considering his family’s activities. Thankfully, with the right law enforcement and powerful people in his family’s back pocket, he’d never been arrested or faced charges.
When Jenna started to shift away, Mac tightened his grip. Might as well practice now, if they were going to pull this charade off for the ex. If they could make her mother and sister believe, then the ex would be no problem whatsoever. And after this week they could simply tell Mary and Amy that he and Jenna had decided they were better off as friends. An easy fix and they’d both still get everything they wanted: Jenna would get her ex to stay away and Mac would get her in his bed.
“We didn’t mean to...”
“I had no idea you two...”
Mary and Amy spoke at the same time and Mac laughed. “You’re fine. I just arrived myself and I was giving Jenna a proper hello.”
Mary’s eyes widened as she stared at her daughter. “You just broke up with Martin two weeks ago.”
Jenna remained frozen at his side and he knew she was struggling with how to explain this scenario to her family. Coming to her defense was easy.
“Martin is an ass,” Mac stated. “Jenna and I have danced around our attraction for years and we thought spending some time here away from work and reality would help us figure out if we should take things to the next level.”
“What are you two doing here?” Jenna croaked out.
Mary nodded. “I thought we could get some girl time in before the guests started arriving. I didn’t know you’d already had company, but I’m glad Mac is with you. Martin was a nice guy, but Mac is...well, you know I love him.”
Mary smiled and Mac knew he had them fooled. These three women were strong, united and had a bond that rivaled that of his own family. He hated lying to Jenna’s family. But it was necessary and nothing he and Jenna couldn’t get out of later.
Amy let out a little squeal as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Jenna, spinning her in a circle. “I knew you two would end up together. I’m so happy for you guys. I’m sorry Martin is the best man and you have to walk with him, but I promise you and Mac will have an amazing time.”
Jenna glared at Mac over her sister’s shoulder and he knew he’d crossed the line. He was going to have some explaining to do once they were alone.
He sent her a wink and a grin, which only earned him a narrowed gaze. Oh, yeah. This boyfriend scenario was going to be fun.
“What the hell was all of that?”
Okay, he’d expected her to be pissed. He’d kissed her, lied to her family and then she’d had time to stew about everything once her mother and sister had whisked her away for a family dinner. The ladies’ dinner conversation was a no-brainer. He had no doubt Jenna had been bombarded with questions that she likely didn’t have answers to all because of that kiss.
He wasn’t sorry.
Mac quirked a brow, knowing his silent action would get under her skin. It was just too easy to push her buttons...and she was sexy as hell all fired up like this.
Throwing her arms in the air, Jenna growled and slammed the door to their hut. “Do you have any idea what I just had to endure, all because you couldn’t keep your lips and hands to yourself?”
So what? She had to discuss the kiss with her sister and mother. He’d had to sit here in the silence and replay it over and over in his head. He could still taste her if he licked his lips, could still feel her when he clenched his fists.
“Are you going to say anything?”
“Did you bring me anything to eat?” he asked. “I’m starving.”
She crossed the room in two strides and shoved at his chest. “My mother wants to know how serious we are and my sister is already making plans for a double date with her fiancé and us. Are you ready for this?”
Mac wouldn’t be pushed, literally or figuratively, by anyone—even his best friend. He gripped her wrists, tugging on her until she fell against him. Perfect.
“You got this ball rolling, I only gave it an extra nudge. If you want your ex to believe we’re lovers, then practicing on your family is the perfect place to start.”
Jenna stared into his eyes. “I don’t like lying to them.”
“We’re not lying. I fully intend to take you for my lover.”
Her body stilled against his, her eyes widened. “Wh-what?”
“You heard me.” He was confident the shock in her eyes only masked her desire. She’d kissed him with too much passion, had practically melted against him. No way could he ignore her response. “I plan on fully experiencing being your lover, and when the week is over we’ll go back to being friends. That way nobody will be lying to your family.”
She jerked away from him, raking her shaky hands through her hair. She twisted it up into a knot and closed her eyes. Mac crossed his arms while he waited for her to process the kink he’d just put into her plans.
With a sigh, she dropped her arms and her hair fell all around her shoulders in messy waves. “We aren’t sleeping together. I need a friend, Mac. I take sex seriously. I know you can detach yourself from the emotions that come with intimacy, but I can’t.”
Knowing he was on shaky ground here, Mac closed the gap between them until he was so near she had to tip her head to look up at him. Her face was totally devoid of makeup, yet the tan she’d gotten was all the glow she needed to be even more radiant. Women he dated tended to use spackling to enhance their beauty, but Jenna needed nothing extra. He preferred a woman who wasn’t all made up in an attempt to gain attention.
“I know you want long term, Jenna. But this week is all about special circumstances. You invited me here.” He purposely used a softer tone. “Let’s see where this goes. I promise, when this is over we’ll go back to being friends. Nobody will get hurt, Jenna.”
“Says the man who has women strewn throughout the world.”
He suppressed a smile. “Despite what you think of my travels, most of the time it’s business and I’m too damn tired to entertain.”
She shook her head and took another step back, hitting the wall by the front door. “Sex implies...”
He quirked a brow. “Lust, desire, passion? I’m willing to admit you’re hot and any man would be lucky to have you in his bed.”
She put her hands on his chest. When she didn’t push him
